rule, law, follow, based on, model after
則 centers on an established standard that guides action: a rule, law, or model to follow. The sense of 'based on' or 'model after' naturally extends from using something as a pattern.
則 combines 貝 (shell, representing value or goods) with 刂 (knife), suggesting carving rules or standards into valuable material, or using a knife to divide goods according to a rule.
Picture a knife 刂 carving rules into a valuable shell 貝: the result is a lasting standard to follow.
For ソク, imagine a sock puppet judge declaring rules in a courtroom: sock -> ソク, and the puppet follows the law.
rule; regulation
principle; general rule
law; rule
foul; breaking the rules
counter for rules
irregular; unsystematic; unsteady; disorderly
to follow (a rule, precedent, style, etc.); to conform to; to be in accordance with
punishment; penalty
school rules; school regulations
irregularity; anomaly
ironclad rule; inviolable rule; invariable principle; iron law
additional rules; by-laws; supplementary provisions; additional clauses
regular; well-regulated; systematic; orderly
correct; proper; formal; regular; systematic; normal
rules of teaching
bylaws; by-laws; detailed regulations
prohibition
four (fundamental) rules of arithmetic
society regulations; club regulations; constitution
general rule; common rule; common provisions